A draft regulation of the Minister of Health has been submitted for consultation, which provides for the expansion of the catalog of guaranteed services in hospital treatment. The amendment provides for the introduction of two modern and minimally invasive procedures used in the treatment of colorectal cancer: endoscopic submucosal dissection and transrectal endoscopic microsurgery.
Modern treatments for colorectal cancer on the list of guaranteed benefits
Published July 16, 2025 08:06
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The Ministry of Health has submitted for consultation a draft regulation amending the regulation of November 22, 2013 on guaranteed services in the field of hospital treatment. The proposed changes concern Annexes 1 and 4, and involve expanding the list of benefits to include two innovative procedures used in the treatment of colorectal cancer: endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and transrectal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM).
Minimally invasive and precise treatment of colorectal cancer
Endoscopic submucosal dissection is an advanced technique used to treat superficial, low-grade cancerous lesions confined to the submucosal layer. This procedure allows for their precise removal without the need for classical surgical treatment. Compared to other endoscopic methods, such as mucosectomy or polypectomy, ESD allows radical removal of more extensive, flat lesions as well.
Transrectal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM), on the other hand, is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows the removal of cancerous lesions located within the rectum. The procedure is particularly applicable in cases of T1 tumors, provided there is no infiltration of lymphatic vessels and perirectal invasion. An alternative to TEM is the more invasive open or laparoscopic resection, which carry the risk of an intestinal stoma.
Responding to patients' needs
Both ESD and TEM have not yet been included in the list of guaranteed benefits. Their introduction is expected to make it possible to treat colorectal cancer at an early stage effectively and with less burden on the patient.
Colorectal cancer - epidemiological situation
Colorectal cancer, which includes lesions located in the colon, sigmoid flexure and rectum (ICD-10: C18-C21), remains one of the more common cancers in Poland. Although the number of cases and deaths has remained relatively stable in recent years, the need for access to modern diagnostic and therapeutic methods has not diminished. In the treatment of rectal cancer, in addition to classical surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, minimally invasive procedures are playing an increasingly important role.
The introduction of ESD and TEM into the catalog of guaranteed services is expected to allow faster and more effective treatment of cancers at stages limited to the mucosa and submucosa, while reducing the risk of complications and improving patient comfort.
Source: RCL
